Opportunity to move beyond brand…

Okay the Wildrose Party has made history in Alberta if not the Commonwealth, by having 12 of their 17 elected MLA’s leave caucus, 11 for the governing Progressive Conservative Dynasty, and one as an independent. Whether or not one believes the Wildrose can come back from this mutiny which included their leader is where one falls within the Conservative Camps.

BUT…

From an outside perspective this has opened up something fresh in provincial politics in my mind that can be taken advantage of to make our province better for Albertans, and yes it may sound like an old hobby horse of mine, but really it is a time for the centre-left (some aptly dubbed Progressive) parties to move beyond their affixed branding, and to embrace that which unites rather than divides. Stretch the tent wide, this was what led to the original creation of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and almost toppled dynasties, brought about medicare etc.and it was by many of the smaller parties and movements creating a broad tent movement to move forward.

So, to the Alberta NDP, Alberta Liberals, Alberta Party, Alberta Greens, Alberta Communist Party, and other social action groups in the province. We are on the cusp of what some pundits believe could be a snap provincial election call in Spring 2015, the official opposition appears D.O.A., and a new voice needs to emerge, a new meta-narrative needs to be painted for Albertans, as nearly 50 years of one party rule, 6 premiers, a fresh voice and eyes are necessary.

The question to those outside the PC Caucus is simple, are you willing to drop your brand, release that which divides, and focus on the key values, points and messages that unite to move forward and provide a choice, strong leadership, new vision, and inspire voters that normally would not come out to the polls that voting is not just a right and a privilige, but a valued necessity in creating a just society.

So, it is down to Albertans, and 9 MLA’s who sit on the alleged “Left”…is a new vision going to emerge?